Sevens

Fijiana stuns defending champions in Tokyo

July 31, 2021 8:00 am

[Source: Fiji Rugby]

The Fijiana has created a major upset at the Olympic Games in Tokyo after beating defending champions Australia 14-12 in the quarterfinal.

It’s a historical moment for the Fijiana as they’re now in contention for a medal.

The side will meet New Zealand in the semifinal today at 2pm.

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[Source: Fiji Rugby]

Aloesi Nakoci struck first after two minutes following some patient buildup up for a 7-nil lead.

Pressure rugby was what the national side did and never gave the Olympic gold medalists any chance even at the breakdown.

Fiji went to a 14-nil lead when Ana Maria Naimasi sliced through the Australian defense to dot down between the sticks.


[Source: Fiji Rugby]

However, the Fijiana was reduced to six players when Vasiti Solikoviti was sent off for a high tackle.

As a result Australia scored a questionable try with a clear forward pass missed by the referee.

With a 14-5 lead, Fiji up the tempo in the second spell and won successive penalties but didn’t want to kick for touch as their confidence built.


[Source: Fiji Rugby]

Australia realizing that time was not on their side scored a try with 40 seconds remaining.

From the restart, the Fijiana held on to the ball before they were awarded a penalty and the side took a tap before kicking it out.